In sepsis care, what is the purpose of NPO?

• A. Anticipate vomiting
• B. Prevent dehydration
• C. Proceed with IV fluids immediately
• D. Encourage oral intake

Answer: (A)

Nothing by mouth (NPO) is used to reduce the risk of aspiration in sepsis management. Sepsis can cause vomiting, weakened consciousness, or urgent airway needs, and having an empty stomach lowers the chance that stomach contents will be regurgitated and aspirated into the lungs during coughing, vomiting, or during airway procedures. Therefore, the purpose is to anticipate and prevent vomiting/aspiration.

NPO does not aim to prevent dehydration (oral intake is discouraged to avoid aspiration), and IV fluids can still be started while a patient is NPO. Encouraging oral intake would defeat the purpose of NPO.